Butterfly Embroidery: How to Embroider a Butterfly
Butterfly embroidery is popular all year: it suits hoop art, a jacket collar, a pocket or a cushion, and it can be as simple as an outline or as detailed as a shaded swallowtail. The shape is symmetrical and small, which makes it a good subject for practising both outlines and colour blending.
How to embroider a butterfly, in short: outline the wings in split stitch, fill each wing section with satin stitch or, for soft colour changes, long and short stitch worked from the wing edge towards the body. Stitch the body in satin stitch or padded satin stitch, and the antennae in one strand of back stitch with a French knot at each tip.
Simple vs Realistic Butterflies
| Style | Stitches | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Outline butterfly | Back stitch or stem stitch only | Beginner |
| Flat colour wings | Satin stitch in sections, split stitch outlines | Beginner |
| Shaded wings | Long and short stitch in 3–5 shades | Intermediate |
| Raised (stumpwork) wings | Wings stitched on wired fabric, cut out and attached | Advanced |
Stitching the Wings
Work each wing section separately, following the veins: stitches should point from the outer edge towards the body, the way the wing scales lie. Start with the darkest edge colour and blend inwards. Leave the veins as thin gaps of fabric, or stitch them last in one strand of a dark colour on top. Our strand count guide explains how fewer strands give a finer finish.
Body and Antennae
The body is a small oval: a few rows of split stitch underneath and satin stitch on top give it a raised look. Antennae are fine lines in one strand of back stitch, ending in a tiny French knot.
Colour Ideas
Blue swallowtails, orange monarchs and pale yellow brimstones are classic; night butterflies and moths look good in muted purples and browns. Keep both wings in the same colour order so the butterfly stays symmetrical.
Where to Stitch a Butterfly
A single butterfly fits a 3–4 inch hoop, a pocket or a collar point. A butterfly on a flower fills a 6–8 inch hoop. See our guide to embroidering on clothes.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Wings look different sizes | Transfer both wings at once and stitch the outlines before any filling |
| Hard edges between colours | Overlap the shades in long and short stitch instead of stitching them side by side |
| Antennae too thick | Use one strand and short back stitches |
| Fabric puckers around the wings | Keep the fabric drum-tight in the hoop and do not pull the fill stitches |
Butterfly Embroidery Patterns
Our butterflies and moths range from a single swallowtail to butterflies on flowers. Each Lumellu pattern is an instant PDF with vector line art in several hoop sizes, DMC colour codes, a materials list and a separate Stitch Guide PDF.
See all insect embroidery patterns →
Finished pieces are for personal use and gifts; the patterns may not be used to make items for sale.
FAQ
What stitch is used for butterfly wings?
Satin stitch for flat colour, long and short stitch for shaded wings.
Is a butterfly good for beginners?
Yes, an outline or flat-colour butterfly is a good first project.
